Helicopter crashes at airshow in Russia, 1 pilot dead (PHOTOS, VIDEO)
An Mi-28N military helicopter has crashed near Russia’s Ryazan during an aerobatic display. One of the two pilots has died according to Russia’s Defense Ministry.
A pilot managed to get out of the burning aircraft, as can be seen on a video by Ruptly video agency. His health is in satisfactory condition.
While performing a stunt at the Aviamix air show on Sunday, a helicopter belonging to the Berkuty (Golden Eagles) aerobatic team suddenly banked on one side and started to lose height.
“The helicopter went into flat-attitude spin and crash-landed,” Russia’s Defense Ministry said in a statement.
"According to preliminary report of the hospitalized pilot of Mi-28N, when performing an aerobatic stunt, the emergency alert system of the helicopter reported the failure of the hydraulic boost system,” the Defense Ministry’s press service said in a statement.
The helicopter crashed in a forest near the airfield and burst into flames on impact with the ground. Firefighters arrived at the crash site and extinguished the fire within minutes.
MORE: Heli burst into flames after crash, 1 pilot ejected, rescue search for 2nd http://t.co/R8zJzNKGh7 pic @rzninfopic.twitter.com/1nw5oaG21v
— RT (@RT_com) August 2, 2015
The helicopter is damaged beyond repair, RIA Novosti reports.
Russia's Air Force Commander-in-Chief Viktor Bondarev has ordered the grounding of all Mi-28 assault helicopters following the catastrophe in central Russia, the Defense Minister reported.
“The crew fought to save the helicopter to the end. Unfortunately, the chief pilot died on impact - the co-pilot survived. According to the second pilot, the accident occurred due to technical failure. I have suspended all Mi-28 flights. The commission under my leadership is working to clarify the causes of the disaster,” Bondarev said.